Follow Us!
Archive for the ‘Cooking Stoves’ Category
Family Involvement!
Outdoor Cooking!
Outdoor cooking can and should be a family activity. It makes an otherwise mundane chore something special. Eating is fun, as should be fixing the food you eat. However, to do this takes time and a-little effort; plan food preparation that will include the entire family. This activity will not only be educational but extremely rewarding.
Even cooking a hot-dog or marshmallow can be a real challenge to insure that it’s cooked just right and not burnt. Cooking, as you well know, is a learned skill; especially cooking outdoors with charcoal, wood, or a portable cook stove. This activity will require some hands-on training. Take time to talk about what you plan to cook, discuss safety, and practice fire building.
It can be fun to beat eggs, mix pan cakes, make milkshakes, or cherry cobbler providing you have the proper camping cookware, stove and/or campfire. Don’t be too ambitious, at first; but, based on the kid’s ages , do give them tasks to complete with each receiving an acknowledged task ownership. These type of experiences are character building – the memories will never fade away!
Portable Grill!
Portable Propane Grill!
There are many small types of camping grills that can be used at an outdoor campsite. Some require fuel/electricity or just an open fire. However, being forced to cook on one over an open campfire, each and every time, can be extremely inconvenient. As an option, the following two categories can be used as either a back-up or even the primary cooking source:
- Electric - Grills are heated using electricity. This would be an ideal choice if the campsite has the required external source of electricity.
- Propane – This type of grill uses natural gas to provide the heat. A propane grill may be the best choice if you are going out into nature where the resources are limited, but a plan must be in-place to obtain replacement fuel.
The use of either an electric or propane grill would provide more than adequate service. However, as stipulated, selection must be thought-out and based on available resources at the campsite.
Storage of Heating and Cooking Stoves!
Before Storage "PM"!
Several times each year, I discuss the importance of taking care of your equipment. This not only includes maintenance but proper storage as well. The following tips might be useful to insure your heating equipment and cooking gear continues to provide the dependable service as expected:
- Clean all camping stoves and lighting equipment before storing for a long period. Make sure each item is working properly and if not, get it fixed before storing. If possible, place each device in its own protective case/storage container. This will insure protection, especially those items that have brittle glass parts.
- Check all cooking gear for possible damage and remove those that are completely useless. Take inventory and compile a list of missing items/components. This list will help you determine what is needed before your next camping trip.
- Clean all camping tools and utensils before storing. Care should be taken to insure all iron cook ware has been properly oiled. This must be done in-order-to prevent rust/corrosion. If possible, store items in separate containers. This will prevent cracks and scratches.
Point being, if you take care of it, it will take care of you. I still have the hunting knife used to skin my first “Mule Deer” buck over 50 years ago!
Open-fire Cooking Refresher!
You can almost smell it!
You don’t really need a large fire to cook your food. Smaller is probably better than larger. Think about your flame producing stove at home, how much flame do you need to fry that chicken or even boil water. The key is the amount and proximity of the heat source to the item being cooked. Cooking on an open fire is not an exact science and will require some trial/error.
With corn, potatoes, and other hard vegetables – you can wrap in aluminum foil and place directly in the hot coals, turn periodically and remove when done. A medium size potato or ear of corn will take about 30 minutes. If it’s cooking too fast, you can always remove the item and place back in the coals later for final cooking.
When using a grill, don’t place it too close to the fire. This will keep you from burning-up your cookware and what-ever you’re cooking. Simply add a few twigs/wood when needed to keep the flame constant but not blazing. Cooking with your camping cookware over an open fire definitely requires a little experience. Do not be too disappointed or hard on yourself if you have problems – PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE will make it perfect!
America’s Favorite Past-time!
Pure Enjoyment!
As previously stated, camping is more popular today than ever before. I think the reason for popularity is that it’s easily adaptable to all life styles and economic structures/pocket book constraints. Whether you’re looking for a quick week-end trip to the woods with little fan-fare or planning a multi-family reunion, the perfect outdoor experience is not only possible but easily obtained.
The United States has an abundance of State and Federal camp grounds that are priced very reasonable. Additionally, there are County and private camp grounds that are available too; but, the private camp grounds could be a little pricey depending on the amenities offered. Either-way, the good thing is that once you get to the camp-site, the additional costs should be no more than if you were at home. You can cook on site using a portable stove or camping grill; it might even be cheaper. Other subsidiary activities at camp-site are normally free.
However, depending on the type of camping you want to do, you will need to obtain some camping gear. The basic items include tents, sleeping bags, camping stove/camping grill, camping chairs, and lanterns. If buying, be sure to purchase quality items, as this will provide for many years of reliable service – HAVE FUN!
Dutch Oven!
Multi-Purpose!
The biggest advantage of a Dutch Oven is its versatility. It can be used to cook a variety of dishes in many different ways. Most folk do not know that you can fry bacon and eggs; roast meats; make soups, stews and casseroles; even bake a cake, cobbler, or biscuits in a Dutch Oven. Actually, there aren’t too many things you can’t cook in one.
This unique addition to your camping cookware can be used to cook with a variety of cooking sources. Whether it be indoors or outdoors, the Dutch Oven can be used to cook on top of the stove, in the oven, or over an open fire/charcoals. It’s use is perfect in the coals of an outdoor fire, on an outdoor grill, or even on top of your wood stove. The Dutch oven is a critical must for the outdoor cooking enthusiast. It will simplify the enjoyable task of preparing food and give you more time with less effort, ENJOY!
A Good Outdoor Chef?
Good enough to eat!
The mark of a good Outdoor Chef is one who can anticipate needs, do more than one thing at a time, and above all MAINTAIN THEIR COOL! But, in compliance, they never reinvent the wheel.
Over the years, outdoor cooks have figured-out ways to cook meals using a campfire. The most basic method used is direct heat. This can be done by wrapping food items in aluminum foil and placing in the hot coals; but, it will require frequent checking to keep from burning. However, it’ll do the job for those things needing high-heat. The second and most frequently form of direct heat is to configure and place a grate/grill over the fire. Putting food or cookware on the grate/grill will result in less direct heat than placing items in the coals, but it’ll take longer to cook. The following supplemental tips should make the job a little quicker, more enjoyable, and less stressful:
- Bring a good supply of aluminum foil – there are many uses!
- Cover pots whenever cooking outdoors; it’s not only cleaner, but it cooks faster and saves fuel.
- Use fireproof camping cookware; keep the handles away from extreme heat and flames.
- Safe-guard matches and keep them in a water-proof container.
Prepartion, Preparation, Preparation!
Red, White, and Blue!
I have written many times on how much I think planning and preparation impacts on the end result of any camping activity. One of the things that I failed to do last year was properly check-out my camping stoves before packing.
On a 5-day plus camping trip, I’ll take a fold-down campfire grill and two gas camping stoves for cooking. The grill is used for its designed campfire cooking purpose and to keep things warm. Very seldom do we use both stoves at the same time; can, but it normally depends on what’s cooking and who’s coming for dinner. The primary reason for the second stove is for emergencies and backup.
It is critical that your camping stoves get the needed preventive maintenance and checks before packing. Trying to do every thing on a campfire grill is do-able but will try the very patience of a seasoned camper, even without the wife, in-laws, and hungry kids yakking. A smart man won’t get caught short!
Banana-nut Pancakes!
Heavy Duty Cooking!
Our traditional outdoor breakfast has always included pancakes. It seems that on each outing, we get a-little more adventurous and sophisticated. The latest entry of Banana-nut was no exception.
Ingredients:
1 cup whole wheat flour; ¼ cup ground flax seeds; ¼ cup minced pecans; 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon sea salt; 1 cup buttermilk; ¼ cup maple syrup (plus additional for serving); 1 very ripe banana, mashed; 1 tablespoon olive oil; fresh fruit for serving.
Preparation:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, flax seeds, pecans, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, beat or whisk together buttermilk, maple syrup, and banana until smooth. Add dry and wet mixture and stir until mixed.
- With one of the appropriate camping stoves, heat oil in a large skillet. Working in batches, add batter in ¼ cupfuls. Cook until bubbles form at the surface of the pancake (about 3 minutes); flip and cook until golden (additional 3 minutes). Repeat process for remaining batter.
Serve with maple syrup, fresh fruit, and above all – Enjoy!
Campsite Comfort!
Relax/chill-out!
As my “wife” says, a camping trip doesn’t always have to be adventure/action filled and exhilarating. There should be a mixture of fun filled things sprinkled with relaxing down-times. As she put it, “a time to smell the roses”!
These are the times when a good campfire, hot cup of coffee, and the sounds of healthy family interactions are welcomed. It’s a precious opportunity to tell those family stories that solidify positive values and reinforce existing legacies/traditions.
Essential to this activity is establishing an atmosphere of relaxation and enjoyment. Nothing will encourage this more than a campfire, tasty snacks, and the proper number of camping chairs for seating.
Most Commented